# A student catches influenza. Describe how the student's immune system responds to destroy the influenza virus once it has entered the body.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 3.2 Respiration · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. White blood cells detect the influenza virus using receptors on their cell surface to identify antigens on the pathogen.
2. Lymphocytes release antibodies that are specific / complementary to the antigens on the influenza virus.
3. Antibodies bind to the antigens on the virus / clump the virus particles together (agglutination) to neutralise the pathogen.
4. Phagocytes engulf / ingest and digest the pathogen / virus using enzymes (phagocytosis).
5. Memory cells remain after the infection so that if the influenza virus enters the body again, antibodies are produced more quickly.

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-catches-influenza-describe-how-a95bd5ff) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.